Structure of Curcumol

Extraction of Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria (Zingiberaceae)) has afforded a new sesquiterpenoid, curcumol, of the empirical formula C15H24O2. It has been shown to contain a vinylidene group and a hemiketal system. The guaiane carbon skeleton has been established by its dehydrogenation giving S-guaiazulene (IV). Curcumol has been ozonized to give the norketone (IX) which has been converted into the acid (X) and the lactone (XII). Spectroscopic study of these derivatives and other evidence show curcumol to be represented by formula I (R=H).